Suspects Charged In School Vandalism

LANTANA — Two teen-agers, arrested and charged with causing $7,000 to $10,000 damage to Lantana Elementary School over the weekend, told police they vandalized the school because they were bored.

Police said the teen-agers, both of Lantana, were arrested late Monday and charged with criminal mischief and burglary to commit vandalism.

Investigators said the teen-agersconfessed to police and told detectives they broke through a window of the school on West Drew Street Sunday and vandalized 14 classrooms because they ``didn`t have anything to do.``

Principal Carl Crawford, who said that most of the damage was repaired by work crews and parents, couldn`t believe the suspects` motivation.

``I don`t see how they could say that,`` he said. ``I just don`t understand it. I think it`s a cover-up.``

Crawford said that the school grounds, which include basketball courts, a heart trail and a playground, are always open. He said the teen-agers could have ``worked out their frustration`` in the playground.

``We have everything for young people,`` he said.

Crawford said he does not believe the two juveniles are former students of the elementary school.

``One name didn`t even ring a bell,`` he said, adding that he had heard of the other teen-ager but didn`t know him.

Crawford said parents and school officials were pleased when they learned of the arrest.

``We`re having a PTA meeting,`` he said. ``It will be a happier occasion.``

Officials said the intruders crawled through the drop ceilings of 14 classrooms.

Once inside, they smashed televisions, typewriters and a copy machine, Crawford said. ``They dumped paint and glue on carpets and furniture.``

Crawford said the vandalism was particularly devastating because the school was recently renovated.

``We have all new carpets, a new lighting system and drop ceilings,`` he said. ``It looked beautiful.``